Cantilever retaining wall structure and method of making the same



Nov. 6, 1945. A. H. TASHJfAN 2,388,624

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME Filed June 2, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet l ll": i '5 /o-: 6 4 l4 l7 5/ M I XYWKXWXL W 304.2 34

A'Pmen Tashjian WWW:

6, 1945- A. H. TASIY-IJIAN 2,388,624

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL' STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME Filed June 2, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 F J Zsnventor B flrmen H. Tashjicm VAL/Z4446 ttornegs N o'v. 6, 1945. A. H. TASHJl-AN 2,333,624

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME NOV. 6, 1945; TASHJIAN 2,388,624

CANTILEVER RETAINI NG WALL STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME Filed June 2, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 X WMWKX Fig. 10

1 4me, H'm mh ?atented Nov. 6, 1945 NI E STATES PATENT FFlCE CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Armen H. Tashiian, Canton, Ohio, assignor to The Union Metal Manufacturing Company,

Canton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 2, 1944', Serial No. 538,516 28 Claims. (01'. 61 -39) My inventionrelates to cantilever retaining 'wall structures,and more particularly my invention relates to retaining wall structures including steel units and methods of assembling and installing the steel units with'other parts to make a complete retaining wall structure.

A retaining wall, from a'restricted standpoint,

the wall is resisted by friction of the subsurface earth along the base and the abutting subsurface earth along the face of the toe.

The construction of a, usual reinforced concrete retaining wall is likewise relatively complicated and includes:

. 1. Prefabricating the reinforcing steel;

is a structure M is usually along the slde 2. Field excavating an even greater volume of the of a bank of earth or earth fill to retain the earth earth bank; a ai t mo me t due to the earth pressure 10 3. Making more difiicult wood forms for both sides forces. Y of the wall;

In l'etammg wall the force or Pressure of the 4. Placing and tying in place the reinforcing steel; earth against the abutting face or back of the 5, Pouring the concrete; Wall tends (1) to overturn the Wall, and (2) to 6. Removing the wood forms and surfacing the push or slide the wall forward or away from the retained earth. Consequently, a satisfactory retaining wall must be constructed and arranged so as to resist effectively with a desired factor of safety the tendency of the retained earth to overturn the wall or to push or slide it forward.

Usual retaining walls include the following:

I. A plain concrete or masonry gravity retaining wall;

II. A reinforced concrete retaining wall; and

III. A steel crib or box retaining wall.

I. The usual plain concrete or masonry gravity retaining wall includes a subsurface toe, and the wall and its toe are made of such dimensions as to resist the overturning moment of the retained earth by the gravity or weight moment of the wall and its toe, and to resist the sliding or pushing force of the retained earth by the subsurface earth abutting the toe below the grade level.

The construction of a plain concrete gravity retaining wall is relativelycumbersome and includes:

Field excavating a considerable volume of the bank of earth; Making wood forms for both sides of the retaining wall and its toe; Pouring the concrete;

concrete faces;

. Back filling the earth;

. Providing expansion'joints in the wall at regularly spaced intervals, and providing weep holes in the wall for water pressure relief from the retained earth; and

. Allowing time for the setting of the concrete before removal of the wood forms and making the back fill.

II. In the usual reinforced concrete retaining wall, the overturning moment applied against the wall isresisted by the gravity or weight moment or the wall and the: earthabove its base, and the push or tendency of the retained earth to slide GUI #00 M exposed concrete surfaces;

. Backfilling the excavated earth of the bank;

. Providing expansion joints and weep holes in the wall; and

. Allowing time for the setting of the concrete before removal of the wood forms and mak ing the back fill.

III. The usual steel crib or box retaining wall includes formed steel members, field assembled to make two vertical or inclined parallel walls connected by transverse tie walls extending between the parallel walls at intervals of 8 to 10 feet, thereby forming a series of rectangular boxes or cells which are filled with earth, and the composite structure thus made constitutes a confined earth gravity wall.

The resistance of the crib or box retaining wall with respect to the overturning moment of the retained earth arises from the weight of the earth filling of the boxes or cells, and the push or tendency of the retained earth to slide the wall is resisted by friction of the subsurface earth along the base and the abutting subsurface earth along the face of the toe.

The construction of a usual crib or box retaining wall, like the usual plain or reinforced gravity retaining wall, is relatively still more complicated Removing the forms and surfacing the exposed and includes:

1. Prefabrlcating box or cell units, usually of light gauge galvanized steel, having relatively coilnplex details and numerous fittings and b0 ts;

2. Field excavating a considerable volume of the earth bank;

3. Assembling in the field the crib cellor box walls, requiring matching and fitting numerous parts and bolts;

4. Filling the crib cells with earth with considerable care; and

5. Back filling the excavated earth of the bank.

The usual plain and reinforced concrete retaining walls and the usual crib or .box type reticularly along the shore lines of bodies of water.

From a broader standpoint, the subsurface walls of cellars or basements of usual residence, office, or industrial buildings must perform the above described functions of retaining walls, as

. must likewise the linings of tunnels in earth,

including clays, shales, and all other earth ma .terials, with the exception of solid rock. 1

Moreover, the operations of warfare now require a great variety of underground or subsurface enclosures or compartments, such as bombproof shelters forcivilians and the armed forces, headquarters, aircraft hangars, garages, shops, concealed or open-top gun pits, and the like.

Also, for the improved protection of ocean shore lines, there may be provided to great advantage underground housing units or shelter caves for equipment or material, such as radar, coast guard equipment, and the like, with or without provision for the underground housin of personnel.

All such special underground housing units for war, defense, and protection purposes include retaining walls.

Usual retaining walls as above described, and the older forms of masonry walls, all require too much field work and time for their construction to be practical for use in the special underground housing units required for war, defense, and protection purposes.

Likewise, from the standpoint of erection speed alone, usual retaining walls frequently require too much field work and time for their construction for the usual supersurface or subsurface purposes.

The objects of the present invention include broadly the provision of improved cantilever retaining wall structures adapted for much more rapid erection than usual retaining walls, and for use not only as retaining walls for the usual supersurface or subsurface purposes, but also for the retaining walls for special underground housing units for war, defense, and protection purposes.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of improved cantilever retaining wall structures including prefabricated steel units of simplified construction and arrangement, requiring relatively few parts, and the units being identical when fabricated.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of such prefabricated simple steel units for retaining wall structures, the units being adapted to interlock with each other with ease when installing in the field to build up a retaining wall, requiring no field fitting or bolting, and being interchangeable for field handling and placing.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of an improved construction and arrangement of shop made cantilever retaining wall units, adapted for field installation and combination with each other and a subsurface anchor wall by improved and simplified methods, and by the use of improved and simplified apparatus, whereby the prefabricated units are ments of which together with their mode of useandpreferred method steps of which are set forth by way of example in the following description,

and which are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming part hereof.

The nature of the improved wall construction of the present invention may be stated in general terms as including a plurality of side by side preferably prefabricated cantilever units, each unit having a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other, one end of the wall member being preferably rigidly connected with the base member by welding or otherwise to form a preferably rigid cantilever frame having the general shape of a capital letter L, an inverted capital letter T, or an angle, and means interlocking the side by side units with each other.

when used as a retaining wall for which it is particularly adapted, the improved wall construction furthermore preferably includes adjacent the foot of the bank of earth and the like to be retained, a subsurface guide and anchor wall.

The base member and the wall member of each preferably prefabricated uriitare preferably perpendicular to each other and the base member includes preferably a first cantilever portion extending in one direction beyond' the connected end of the wall memberand penetrating substantially horizontally into the bank. For a positive support against overturning the base member also preferably includes asecond cantilever portion extending in the opposite direction to the first cantilever portion beyond the connected end of the wall member, and in the installed position of the unit, the second cantilever portion is supported on the guide and anchor wall, and the wall member is alined with the face of the guide and anchor wall abutting the foot of the bank. Preferably, parts slidably connected with the wall members are extended between the guide and anchor wall and the foot of the bank for anchoring each unit against the horizontal sliding force of the earth back of the retaining wall.

The preferred improved method of making the improved wall construction may be described generally as first pouring a, shallow concrete guide and anchor wall adjacent the foot of the bank and on the desired retaining wall line, than placing a unit on top of the driving means, which in turn is hooked to the top of the guide and anchor wall, then driving or forcing the first cantilever portion into the unexcavated bank horizontally until the wall member is alined with the side face of the guide and anchor wall abutting the foot of the bank and the second cantilever portion rests on top of the guide and anchor wall, then repeating the foregoing placing and driving operations with other side by side units, making the side connections of the units, and inserting or driving the guide and anchor wall anchoring parts of the wall members.

By way of example embodiments of the improved wall constructions, and of the units, parts and members thereof, and of improved apparatus for carrying out the improved methods of driving the cantilever units into the bank, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which {Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a completed retaining wall structure including the present improvements;

Fig. 2, a similar view showing one of the improved cantilever units partially driven into the bank of earth to be retained, and the improved driving apparatus;

Fig. 3, an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view of a plurality of side connected base members of a plurality of the units, with distant parts removed;

Fig. a, a similar view of a plurality of side connected wall members of a plurality of the units;

Fig. 5, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of one of the improved cantilever units, looking towards the'top of its base member and the piercing end of the first cantilever portion thereof;

Fig. 6, a perspective view thereof looking in the reverse direction;

Fig. 7, an enlarged fragmentary isometric view, showing the complete wall construction of Fig. l, with a, preferred cap frame member for the upper ends of the wall members;

Fig. 8, a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the piercing heel end of one of the unit base members, showing a preferred heel anchoring means therefor;

Fig. 9, a fragmentary top plan view showing the wall of Figs. 1 and 7, during the course of erection by the use of the improved apparatus hereof;

Fig. 10, a fragmentary transverse sectional view, showing a tunnel construction and the like, including the present improvements;

Fig. 11, a transverse sectional view showing separable clip means adapted for the construction of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12, a side elevation of another embodiment of the improved cantilever units hereof.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The cantilever retaining wall structure indicated generally by ID constitutes one embodiment of the improved wall construction of the present invention, and includes a plurality of improved cantilever units, each indicated generally by ll, which are arranged side by side on top of a shallow sub-surface guide and anchor wall l2'of'concrete, and adjacent sides of the units ll are'side connected with each other by clip strip members, each indicated generally by Hi.

Another embodiment of the improved cantilever units hereof is indicated generally by 2 in Fig. 12, and will be described in detail hereinafter.

Each improved cantilever retaining wall unit II, as shown, when viewed from the side has a form which is generally that of an L, and for convenience herein each improved cantilever retaining wall unit II will be termed in certain instances an L unit, and includes a base or floor member indicated generally by M and an upright or wall member indicated generally by [5, the wall member l5 extending from one side of the base member 14 intermediate its ends and at right angles thereto.

L units H completely assembled and prefabricated and the formed clip strip members [3, with their attached bolt clamping means 45 constitute all the prefabricated parts of the improved cantilever retaining wall structure Ill. The guide and anchor wall l2 and driving equipment or apparatus 60, hereinafter described in detail, constitute the field driving and anchoring means.

Further preferred details of each improved L unit I I,the guideand anchor wall l2, the clip strip members l3, and the preferred improved methods and apparatus 60 for driving the units ll into the retained bank of earth It, are set forth hereinafter.

Broadly, the improved method of constructing the improved cantilever retaining wall I for the bank of earth l6, includes pouring a shallow sub-surface guide and anchor wall I2 of concrete v adjacent the foot of the bank of earth It, placearth l6, and horizontally driving the base mem-' ing the piercing end ll of the base member ll of each L unit H on top of the guide and anchor wall I2 and adjacent the foot'of the bank of her it intot-he unexcavated bank of earth l6 by force applied to the outer end l8 of the base member M until the wall member I5 is alined with the inner face IQ of the guide and anchor wall l2. A partially driven L unit H is shown in Fig. 2, and this L unit is shown fully driven in Fig. 1.

As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the base or floor members It and the upright or wall members 15 preferably include lengths of identical hook flanged channels each indicated generally by 20. Thus, as illustrated, each hook flanged channel 20 has the same transverse cross sec tion, and is preferably formed of sheet or strip to one face of the web wall, channel leg walls 24, which diverge slightly outwardly from parallel planes passing through the parallel sides 23 of the channel web wall 22 and perpendicular thereto.

The outer sides 25 of the channel leg walls 24 are parallel with each other and with the parallel sides 23 of the channel web wall 22. Extending outwardly in opposite directions from the outer sides 25- of the'channel leg walls 2d are hook flanges, each indicated generally b 26. Each hook flange 26 includes a flange web wall 21 and a flange hook wall 28.

Each flange web wall 21, preferably as shown, is parallel with its associated channel web wall 22, and one side of each flange web wall 2? merges or is common with the outer side 25 of its associated channel leg wall 24, and thus each set of merged or common sides 25 forms an apex. Similarly, the other side of eachchannel le wall 24 merges or is common with one side 23 of the channel web wall 22, andlikewise each wall 21, and each set of the merged or common sides 29 constitutes another apex.

Each base or floor member l4 furthermore includes at one side, as best shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, a pair of longitudinally spaced short clips each indicated generally by 38, and each including a clip web wall 3| having opposite parallel sides 32 from which extend from the same face of the web wall 3|, clip hook walls each indicated generally by 33.

Each hook wall 33 has an inner side which merges and is common with one of the sides 32 of the web wall 3|, and each set of the merged or common sides 32 constitutes an apex. Each clip hook wall 33, preferably as shown, isat an angle of 45 with its web wall and extends towards the other hook wall 33. One of the hook walls 33 of each clip 30 is hooked over the hook wall 28 at one side of each base or floor member l4 and may be secured thereto as by welding. The web wall 3| of each clip 39 extends beyond the apex 29 of its associated hook flange 28, each clip web wall 3| being preferably as shown parallel with the web walls 21 and 22 of its associated hook flanged channel 29 and being located between the planes of the inner faces of the web walls 21 and Web wall 22.

The piercing end l1 of each base member M of each L unit I I may be beveled as shown for facilitating its piercing entrance into the foot of the bank of earth l8 to be retained.

Adjacent the piercing end II of each base member |4 there is operatively mounted a swivel heel anchor indicated generally by 34. Each swivel heel anchor 34 includes a rectangular anchor plate 35 located below the web wall 22 and between the leg walls 24 of its associated hook flanged channel 20. The opposite leg walls 24 have formed therein registering bearing apertures 3B, and adjacent the outer end of the anchor plate 35 there is welded to one side of the anchor plate a swivel rod 31. which extends transversely through the registering bearing apertures 36 and is swivel supported thereby, thus providing an additional anchorage for each cantilever unit I I at its heel end wher the earth weight is maximum,

As shown and preferably, intermediate the ends of the hook flanged channel 20 of the base member l4 of each L unit each hook flange 26 has formed therein a side opening notch 38 for the passage therethrough of the end of a. wall clip strip member l3 when driven down to provide a toe anchorage against the anchor wall l2 to resist against horizontal sliding of each unit.

The lower end 39 of the wall member l of each L unit H, as shown is notched and fitted to the base member H 'of each L unit II and connected thereto as by welding, with the wall member hook flanges 2B alined with the notches 38 of the base member I4.

As shown and preferably, in each L unit II, the wall member I5 is angled, fitted, and welded at right angles to the base member l4.

A brace bar 4| extends between and is angled [I includes a longer first cantilever portion 42 extending in'one direction from the connected As shown and preferably, the piercing end n of each unit base member I4 is at the end of the cantilever portion 42. The brace bar 4| extends between the wall member l5 and the cantilever portion 42 of the base member l4.

In each L unit I I, as shown and preferably, the wall member I5 is positioned so that the channel leg walls 24 extend from the web wall 22 towards the cantilever portion 42 of the base member I4, and the flange hook walls 28 extend towards the other cantilever portion 43.

The clip strip members l3 preferably are made a few inches longer than the length of the wall member l5, and each preferably has a transverse cross section identical with the cross section of one of the preferably identical clips 33 perpendicular to the web wall 3| and hook walls 33 thereof.

In the assembled retaining wall structure I0, as above indicated, the unit base members l4 are driven into the foot of the unexcavated bank It until the unit wall members I5 are alined with the inner face l9 of the guide and anchor wall l2 abutting the foot. More specifically the notches 39 of the unit base members l5 just clear the toe wall inner face l9.

Side connection of the L units II, as above indicated, is effected by the clip strip members l3 which are slid from above over the adjacent hook walls 28 of adjacent side by side L units II, and also by the clips 30 which are carried by the hook wall 29 at one side of each unit base member l5 and are slid over the adjacent clear hook wall 28 of the base member l5 of the side by side L unit I I.

Two distinct means of anchorage against bodily sliding of the L units H of the wall structure III are provided first by the heel anchor means 34, and, second by the toe anchorage by driving the lower end at the clip strip members l3 below the unit base members l4 through the notches 38 and across the guide and anchor wall inner face l9, the former acting as a plow anchor and the latter as an abutting anchor.

In the wall structure ID, the bank l6 of earth or other material may be described as extending above underlying material 50 having an upper surface or grade level 5|, and the foot of the bank I6 is the portion of the bank |6 immediately above the upper surface 5|.

The guide and anchor wall I2 is formed of concrete poured in a shallow trench in the underlying material 50 so that the upper end face 53 of the guide and anchor wall I2 is co-extensive with the upper surface 5|, which is level or horizontal as shown, but which may be inclined or stepped if desired. Likewise the unit wall members Hi we vertical as shown, but may be inclined or stepped if desired.

Preferred apparatus for driving the L units ll of the wall structure I8 is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 9, and indictaed generally by 69, and includes a guide and reacting frame indicated generally by 6| including a header angle bar 62 and a plurality of guide rail T bars 63. Each T bar 63 in the frame has its head flanges 64 lowermost, and its stem or rail stem extending upwardly.

The guide rail bars 63 are substantially longer than the unit base members l5, and at one end of each guide rail bar 83, its flanges 64 are se- 7 cured to one dance of the header angle bar 62.

The sides of the flanges of each T bar 83 are parallel and the rail stem 85 is perpendicular to the head flanges 64.

The T bars 63 are laterally spaced in the frame Bl, the rail stems 65 being parallel and at a distance from each other slightly greater than the width of a unit base member l4 between the sides or apexes 29.

Opposite the other end of each T bar 63, the rail stem 65 extends a substantial distance and terminates in a downwardly extending hook 66, which in use hooks over the guide and anchor wall inner face it with the adjacent end portion of the rail stem 65 supported on top of the toe wall i2 and the remaining portion of the rail stem 65 extending outwardly away from the toe wall l2 and the bank it.

With the frame 6! and its guides 53 positioned asabove described, there is placed the base member id of an i. unit I! l between the right hand pair of rail stems 65 as shown in Fig. 9. The

piercing end ll of the placed base member H is located opposite the foot of the bank it. A front buck-plate 67 is placed against the outer end 98 of the placed base member M.

Each rail flange 64 has provided therein a row of equal spaced holes 68 which are laterally alined with each other. A back buck-plate 69 is vertically positioned and welded to a buck-plate base it which is horizontal in use and perpendicular to the back buck-plate 69. From the lower face of the base 10 extend four pins H which are spaced to be inserted in any adjacent four of the flange apertures 68 of opposite flanges 64 between adjacent rail stems 65.

Thus the back buck-plate 69 may be positioned at a selected distance from the positioned front buck-plate 61, and releasably connected with the opposite flanges 64 upon the top of which the placed unit base member I4 is located.

Hydraulic jack means indicated generally by I2 are then positioned between the buck-plates 67 and W, and operated to drive or force the placed unit base member 84 endwise, with its piercing end ll ahead, into the foot or the unexcavated bank it, until the placed unit wall member l5 reaches the position shown in Fig. l for the wall structure Ml.

Another L unit it is placed between the next side by side rail stems 65, which are to the left as shown in Fig. 9, and driven to its position with its base member it and wall member 85 in alinement with the similar members of the previously driven side by side IL. unit l l.

The driven and alined L units Iii are then side connected as above described.

In Fig. 10 is illustrated an improved sub-surface structure indicated generally by Sid, and which may be a lined tunnel. The structure fill includes two opposite wall structures Mil, each generally similar to one of the wall structures ill. The L units ii of the wall structures H0 are driven sidewise on top of the guide and anchor walls it into the opposite banks of a tunnel 8| excavated out of sub-surface material and having a roof 82.

As shown, the top' ends of the wall members l5 of each wall structure III) has a ledge angle 83 secured thereto. One leg 84 of each angle bar 83 extends outwards and supports roof beams 85.

For the sub-surface wall structures I I0, separable clip strip means H3 may be conveniently used, and driven down back of the anchor walls II as above described.

. The separable clip strip means lll' includes two angles I lt-l having overlapping legs ll3--2. The overall cross section of the separable clip strip means I I 3 is generally similar to that of the clip strip members i3, and the overlapping legs 3-2 of the angles I l3-l are separably secured together by bolt means 3-3 of which the nut iii-t may be spot welded to. the inner face of its flange.

In the embodiment of the improved cantilever unit 2M shown in Fig. 12 the base member in.- cludes only one cantilever portion, and viewed from the side the unit 2 is an angle.

It is to be noted that in each of the improved wall structures It and H0, relative expansions and contractions of the separate L units ii are accommodated by the side by side slip clip connections it and 3t and their connected hook walls 23. Also, the notches 38 act as weep holes, in the finished walls.

The embodiments of the present invention illustrated and described herein are by way of example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the same or to the particular details thereof, but is commensurate with any and all novel subject matter contained herein which may at any time properly under the United States patent laws be set forth in the claims hereof or originating herein, and the elements of any such claims are intended to include their functional or structural equivalents.

I claim:

1. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, the base member and wall member of each unit being angled with respect to each other, one end of the wall member being connected with the base member of each unit, the base and wall members of the side by side units being alined with each other respectively and having adjacent side hook flanges, and hook means connecting the adjacent base member flanges and hook means connecting the adjacent wall member flanges.

2. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, the base member and wall member of each unit being angled with respect to each other, one end of the wall member being connected with the base member of each unit, the base and wall members of the side by'side units being alined with each other respectively and having adjacent side hook flanges, and hook means connecting the adjacent base member flanges and hook means connecting the adjacent wall member flanges, a bank of earth and the like, and the base member of each unit having a cantilever portion extending in one direction beyond the connected end of the wall member of the unit and extending into the bank.

3. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, the base member and wall member of h each unit being angled with respect to each other, one end of the wall member being connected with the base member of each unit, the base and wall members of the side by side units being alined with each other respectively and having adjacent flanges, and means connecting the adjacent base member flanges and means connecting the adjacent wall member flanges, a bank of earth and the like, and the base member of each unit having a'flrst cantilever portion extending in one direction beyond the connected end of the wall member of the unit and into the bank, an anchor wall adjacent the foot of the bank and the base member of each unit having a second cantilever portion extending in the opposite'direction to the first cantilever portion beyond the connected end ,of the wall member of the unit and on top of the anchor wall.

4. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, connecting means in each unit between one end of its wall member and its base member intermediate the ends of the base member, similar members of the side by side units having adjacent I side hook flanges, and hook means connecting connecting the adjacent side hook portions.

6. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side byside cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, connecting means in each unit between one end of its wall member and its base member,

and-a single brace member in each unit having opposite ends connected respectively with the base member and the wall member intermediate the ends of the base member and wall member, the connected members defining a triangle, and means connecting the sides of the units with each other. 7. In wall construction and the like, a pluralit of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including an elongated base member and an elongated wall member, connecting means in each unit between one endof its wall member and its base member, similar members of the side by side units having adjacent side hook flanges, and slip hook clip means connecting the adjacent hook-flanges.

8. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit andeach unit including an elongated base member and an elongated cantilever wall member, connecting means in each unit between one end of its wall member and its base member intermediate the ends of the base member and the base member including first and second cantilever portions extending in opposite directions from the connected end of the wall member, abank of earth and the like having a foot and an anchor wall adjacent the foot, the base member of each'unit being supported on the top of the anchor wall with the-first cantilever portion extending into the bank and the wall member of each unit being alined with the side face of the anchor wall adjacent the outer face of the bank, similar members of the side by side units being alined with each other, means connecting the similar members with each other. and the wall member connecting means including extensions in abutment with. the side face of the toe wall adjacent the outer face of the bank.

9. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means in each unit connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, means connecting the sides of the units with each other, the wall members having opposite sets of alined faces, a frame member extending along one set of alined wall member faces adjacent the outer ends of the wall members, and means connecting the frame member with the wall members.

10. In wall construction and the like, a plurality of side by side cantilever units, each unit having one or each opposite side adjacent the opposite side of another unit and each unit including a base member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall cantilever member in each unit with its base member intermediate the ends or the base member, the base member including flrst and second cantilever portions extending beyond opposite faces of the wall member, and hook means connecting the side by side units with each other. a

11. A unit for wall construction and the like. the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, and hook flange means at the sides of the unit adapted for connection with adjacent sides of similar side by side units.

12. A unit for wall construction and the like, the unit including a base member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall cantilever member with the base member intermediate the ends of the base member, the base member including first and second'cantilever portions extending beyond opposite faces of the wall member, and hook flange means at the sides of the unit adapted for connection with adjacent sides of similar side by side units. I

13. A unit for wall. construction and the like, the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, and hook flange means at the sides of the unit adapted for connection with adjacent sides of similar side by side units, and anchor means adjacent an end of the base member. 1

14. A unit for wall construction and the like, the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member substantially perpendicular with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, and hook flange means at the sides of the unit adapted for connection with adjacent sides of similar side by side units.

15. A unit for wall construction and the like.

. the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, and each member including a plurality of walls having parallel sides and including a hook wall at each outer side sloping transversely toward the other hook wall and spaced hook clips on the hook wall at one side of the base member, the spaced hook clips being adapted for endwise sliding engagement with the hook wall of an adjacent side by side unit.

17. In wall construction and the like, a bank of earth and the like and a plurality of similar side connected cantilever units, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and the wall member having an end connected with the base member, the base member having a piercing end driven into the bank, and an elongated cantilever second cantilever portion of each base member being supported and alined on the top of the anchor wall, and wall member extensions located between the anchor ,wall and the foot of the bank,

and anchor means on the first cantilever portion or each base member, the anchor means being adilacing-t the piercing end and embedded in the 21. The method of wall construction by the use of a plurality of cantilever units for retaining a bank of earth and the like having a foot at the upper suriaceof underlying material above which the bank extends, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and one end of the wall member being connected with the base member and one end of the base member being a piercing end, which includes embedding a guide and anchor wall in the underlying material adjacent the foot of the bank, placing a first cantilever unit with its base member on top of the guide and anchor wall and its wall member extending above portion of the base member adjacent the piercing end being embedded in the bank.

18. In wall construction and the 1ike,"a bank of earth and'the like and a plurality of similar side connected cantilever units, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member earth and the like and a'plurality of similar side connected cantilever units, each cantilever unit' including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and the wall member having an end connected with the base member, the base member having a piercing end driven into the bank, and a cantilever portion of the base member adjacent the piercing end being embedded in the bank, an anchor wall having a top adjacent the bank, and the base member having a second cantilever portion extending beyond the connected end of the wall member in the opposite direction to the first cantilever portion, the second cantilever portion of each base the guide and anchor wall and opposite the bank and with the piercing end of its base member located opposite the foot of the bank, driving the base member endwise so that its piercing end enters the bank and until its well member becomes alined with the guide and anchor wall and placing an anchor extension of the unit between the guide and anchor wall and the foot of the bank, similarly placing and driving and anchoring a plurality of cantilever units side by side each other and the first unit, and side connecting member being supported and alined on the top of the anchor wall, and wall member extensions located between the anchor wall and the foot of the bank.

20. In wall construction and the like, a bank of earth and the like and a plurality of similar side connected cantilever units, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and the wall member having an end connected with the base member, the base' member having a piercing end driven into the bank, and a cantilever portion of the base member adjacent the piercing end being embedded in the bank, an anchor wall having a top adjacent the bank, and the base member having a second cantilever portion extending beyond the connected end of the wall member in the opposite direction to the first cantilever portion, the

the side by side units.

22. The method of wall construction by the use of a plurality of cantilever units for retaining a bank of earth and the like having a foot at the upper surface of underlying material above which the bank extends, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and one end of the wall member being connected with the base member and one end of the base member being a piercing end, which includes embedding a guide and anchor wall in the underlying material adjacent the foot of the bank, placing a first cantilever unit with its base member on top of the guide and anchor wall and its wall member extending above the guide and anchor wall and opposite thebank and with the piercing end of its base member located opposite the foot of the bank, driving the base member endwise so that its piercing end enters the bank and until its wall member becomes alined with the guide and anchor wall and a portion of its base member is supported by the guide and anchor wall, similarly placing and driving a plurality of cantilever units side by side each other and the first unit,side connecting the side by side units, and anchoring the units in the underlying material.

23. The method of wall construction by the use of a plurality of cantilever units for retaining a bank of earth and the like having a foot at the upper surface of underlying material above which the bank extends, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and one end of the wall member beingconnected with the base member and one end of the base member being a piercing end, which includes placing a first cantilever unit with its base member on the upper surface of the underlying material and its wall member extending above the underlying material and opposite the bank and with the piercing end of its base member located opposite the foot of the bank.

cluding a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and one end oi. the wall member being connected with the base member and one end of the base member being a piercing end, which includes placing a first cantilever unit with its base member on the upper surface of the underlying material and its wall member extending above the underlying material and opposite the bank and with the piercing end of its base member located opposite the foot of the bank, driving the base member endwise so that its piercing end enters the bank anduntil its wall member reaches a desired position with respect to the bank, similarly placing and driving a plurality of cantilever units side by side each other and the first unit, side connecting the side by side units, and anchoring the units in the underlying material.

25. A unit for wall construction and the like, the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall member with the base member, and each member including a plurality oi walls forming a central elongated channel having a side hook flange at each side.

26. A unit for wall construction and the like, the unit including a base cantilever member and a wall cantilever member angled with respect to each other, means connecting one end of the wall asaaeac member with the base member, and each member including a plurality of walls forming a central elongated channel having a side hook flange at each side, and each side hook flange or the base member having a side notch formed therein adjacent the connected end of the wall member.

27. In wall construction and the like, a bank of earth and'the like and a plurality 01! similar side by side cantilever units, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and the wall member having an end connected with the base member, the base member having a piercing end driven into the bank, and a cantilever portion of the base member adjacent the piercing end being embedded in the bank, an anchor wall having a top adjacent the bank, and the base member having another portion supported on the top of the anchor wall.

28. The method of wall construction by the use of a plurality of cantilever units for retaining a bank of earth and the like having a foot at the upper surface oi underlying material above which the bank extends, each cantilever unit including a base member and a wall member angled with respect to each other and one end of the wall member being connected with the base member and one end 01' the base member being a piercing end, which includes placing a first cantilever unit with its base member on the upper surface of the underlying material and its wall member extending above the underlying material and opposite the bank and with the piercing end of its base member located opposite the foot of the bank, driving the base member endwise so that its piercing end enters the bank and until its wall member reaches a desired position with respect to the bank, and similarly placing and driving a plurality of cantilever units side by side each other and the first unit.

ARMIEN H. TASHJIAN. 

